Understanding YouTube’s Monetization Requirements

If you want to make money on YouTube, understanding the platform’s monetization requirements is non-negotiable. These aren’t just rules—they’re the foundation of how creators earn through ads, memberships, Super Chats, and more. Whether you're working toward eligibility or already in the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), 2025’s updated guidelines demand more clarity, transparency, and consistency than ever before.

Here’s a deep dive into what you need, what’s changed, and what often gets overlooked.

The Core Requirements for the YouTube Partner Program

To qualify for monetization, your channel must meet the following thresholds (as of 2025):

• At least 1,000 subscribers
• Either 4,000 valid public watch hours in the past 12 months, or 10 million valid public Shorts views in the past 90 days
• Have two-step verification enabled
• Follow all YouTube monetization policies
• Have no active Community Guideline strikes

It’s not just about numbers—YouTube also checks your content history for spam, reuse, and alignment with advertiser-friendly standards.

Shorts vs Long-Form Eligibility

In 2023, YouTube introduced the Shorts monetization pathway. It’s still active and growing in 2025.

You can now monetize if you meet:

• 10 million public Shorts views over the past 90 days (instead of 4,000 watch hours)
• Other requirements like 1,000 subscribers still apply

It’s important to note:

• Views must be from original content, not reuploads
• Watch time from Shorts doesn’t count toward the 4,000 hours threshold for long-form monetization

Some creators focus solely on Shorts to qualify quickly, while others blend formats to diversify revenue sources.

Account Setup and Verification

Before applying for YPP, you need:

• A Google AdSense account linked to your channel
• No prior suspensions or policy violations on your account
• Accurate account details (name, address, payment info)

Verification is critical. YouTube will withhold earnings if your identity or tax details aren’t validated. This includes verifying U.S. tax status, even for creators outside the U.S., due to AdSense’s global payment system.

Content Types That Are Eligible (and Not)

Eligible:

• Original commentary, vlogs, tutorials, gameplay with voiceover
• Educational or documentary-style videos
• Edited, transformative content with clear value

Not Eligible:

• Reused content without transformation (TV clips, TikToks, compilations)
• Automated or synthetic voice videos with minimal editing
• Looping or low-quality slideshows or static images

Even if you hit the watch hours and subscribers, content that violates reuse or duplication rules will get rejected from the YPP.

Hidden Pitfalls That Delay Approval

Many channels meet the technical requirements but still get denied. Why?

• Poor metadata: misleading titles or tags
• Misuse of copyrighted content, even with “credit given”
• Spammy comment activity or “sub4sub” history
• Videos marked “for kids” that actually target general audiences

Each of these can signal low-quality or policy-breaking behavior to YouTube’s reviewers.

It’s not just about what you post—it’s how you present, label, and engage around it.

What Happens During the Review Process

After applying:

• YouTube typically reviews your channel within 30 days
• They evaluate your top-performing videos and content across your channel
• Thumbnails, metadata, and audience engagement are part of the process

You’ll receive one of two responses:

• Accepted into YPP: ads begin appearing, monetization tools unlocked
• Denied with reason: reuse, duplication, or policy violation

You can reapply in 30 days, and in the meantime, work on fixing flagged issues.

Additional Requirements for Other Monetization Features

Once you're in the YPP, you unlock access to multiple monetization tools—but each has its own requirements.

For example:

• Channel Memberships: Minimum 500 subscribers, and your channel must be in good standing
• Super Chat & Super Stickers: Age 18+, live streaming enabled, located in an eligible country
• Shopping Integration: Available to channels with 1,000+ subscribers and heavy video engagement
• Merch Shelf: Requires a merch partner and channel eligibility
• YouTube Premium Revenue: Paid automatically based on Premium members’ watch time on your content

Best Practices to Maintain Monetization Eligibility

Once approved, don’t assume your status is locked in. YouTube continues to evaluate your content.

Avoid:

• Sudden shifts to controversial or reused content
• Disabling comments or hiding performance metrics
• Uploading videos that trigger mass reports

Do:

• Maintain regular uploads
• Respond to community posts and comments
• Stay updated on policy changes (YouTube sends email alerts)

Consistent channel behavior is a factor in long-term monetization success.

2025 Changes You Need to Know

This year brought a few critical updates:

• Mid-tier Monetization: Channels with 500+ subs and 3,000 hours may be eligible for limited monetization tools in test regions
• Shorts Fund Phased Out: Ad revenue sharing on Shorts fully replaced the old bonus fund
• New Strike Policy: One Community Guideline strike may pause monetization eligibility for 30 days

These shifts are meant to reward original content and crack down on gray-area creators.

Real Creator Experiences

Ali Abdaal built monetization on educational productivity content, carefully organizing videos to boost watch time and engagement. He hit eligibility within 6 months by batching uploads and using playlists strategically.

Vanessa Lau emphasized community engagement, using long-form videos with call-to-actions that encouraged comments and shares—key signals for YouTube’s review team.

Jubilee stayed compliant while pushing boundaries by clearly contextualizing sensitive topics and using manual reviews to appeal flagged videos.

These creators succeeded by aligning with the algorithm and YouTube’s policies.

Final Tips for Getting Monetized Faster

• Batch Smart Content: Plan videos that can rack up watch time and search views, such as evergreen tutorials or list-style breakdowns.
• Use Analytics: Review your most-watched videos and replicate successful formats.
• Prioritize Watch Time: Use longer content when possible, or tightly hook viewers in Shorts with clear intros and pacing.
• Update Thumbnails and Titles: A refreshed visual can push old content back into the algorithm, especially if they underperformed due to weak CTR.

Getting into the YPP is just the start. The real game is sustaining growth, optimizing for revenue, and keeping a clean track record with YouTube’s ever-shifting monetization policy.